New Zealand has a lot to offer international students: amazing landscapes; a rich culture, and equally important, quality teaching and small classes. If you decide to make New Zealand your study destination, you won’t regret it, but what can you expect from life at a university in New Zealand?
Academic life in New Zealand
Many students (international and national) find the difference between academic life before university and studying at university a bit of a shock. University students in New Zealand are encouraged to challenge and question what they have researched and what they are taught.
Culturally, this can be quite difficult for some international students who come from a culture of respecting what their teachers have told them and reproducing the information in exams and essays. Developing these critical thinking skills will be fundamental to the rest of your studies.
You’re also expected to be an independent learner and self-motivated. Professors won’t tell you what you must do. It’s your responsibility to carry out extra research and to organise your study time. After the initial welcome and settling in period, international students (like all students) will be expected to attend lectures, do independent research, and write assignments straight away.
Many students may feel that they have been thrown in the deep end*. It’s important to ask for help from your professors, education counsellors and International Student Services if you’re struggling.
*An English expression which means to suddenly be put into a situation without preparation or instructions.
Read more about the top universities in New Zealand.
Campus life in New Zealand
In your first year, you may choose to live in a university residence hall. This is a great way to meet a variety of people from different places, ethnicities, and religions. There’s a common lounge where you can go to relax and chat. As difficult as it is to meet new people and to do it in a language that isn’t your own, it’s an important opportunity for international students to make friends and feel a part of university culture.
Each of the halls of residences also has resident advisers/assistants. These are older students who are there to support new people. They also organise activities and events – another great way for international students to become more a part of university life. In addition, sports play a very important part of Kiwi (New Zealand) life and is also a great way to meet people.
Find out about the best cities for students in New Zealand.
Culture in New Zealand
New Zealand is a diverse country – there are many people from different ethnicities and cultures. The indigenous people of New Zealand are the Tangata Whenua – Māori. Their culture plays a central role in everyday life in New Zealand.
The language Te Reo is an official language, and many official place names, and university names are in Māori. As an international student, this may come as a surprise as most people believe that English is the only language spoken in New Zealand.
As an international student, you can experience this and much more art, dance, theatre, and music at the many festivals and events all over the two islands. Travelling while studying in New Zealand is a must – students regularly go travelling at the weekends with friends to explore the beautiful landscape that the country has to offer. This is another important aspect of student life in the country. It's a great way to explore the country, experience different traditions and make new friendships stronger. What’s not to love?
Chat with Couru
